South Georgia Homeowner Finds Massive Snake Hiding Beneath House, Along With 6-Foot Shed Skin

SOUTH GEORGIA — A South Georgia homeowner made a startling discovery after crawling under their house and finding a large snake coiled among insulation — along with a shed snakeskin measuring more than six feet long.

The image, shared online by the resident, shows the thick-bodied snake nestled within insulation under the floorboards. The homeowner reported that the skin appeared fresh, suggesting the reptile had recently molted and was still nearby.

Snake Discovered During Routine Home Check

According to the post, the homeowner had gone under the house to check insulation when they spotted the snake tucked into the corner of a beam. “Found shed skin that measured over 6 ft,” the caption read.

The exact species of the snake hasn’t been confirmed, but wildlife experts say that in South Georgia, it could be a rat snake, kingsnake, or even an eastern diamondback rattlesnake — all of which can reach or exceed six feet in length.

Experts Warn of Increased Snake Encounters in Fall

Wildlife specialists say that sightings like this are becoming more common across Georgia and the Carolinas as cooler weather drives snakes to seek warmth and shelter. Crawl spaces, basements, and under-home insulation often provide the perfect hiding conditions.

“Snakes are cold-blooded, so as temperatures drop, they start looking for warm, stable environments — and unfortunately, that can mean people’s homes,” said Dr. Eric Taylor, a herpetologist at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry.

He added that shed skins, especially large ones, are often the first sign of a snake’s presence. “A fresh shed means the animal has recently been there — and it’s healthy, growing, and possibly still in the area.”

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Home Safety and Removal Tips

Experts advise homeowners not to attempt to remove large snakes themselves, especially if the species is unidentified. Instead, they recommend calling local animal control or licensed wildlife removal services.

To reduce the risk of snakes entering crawl spaces or basements, professionals suggest:

• Sealing foundation cracks or gaps.
• Installing mesh barriers over crawl space vents.
• Clearing brush, debris, and wood piles from around the home’s foundation.
• Avoiding leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors, which can attract rodents — a primary food source for snakes.

“If you see a large shed or an actual snake under your house, it’s best not to disturb it,” Taylor added. “Even nonvenomous snakes will defend themselves if they feel trapped.”

Snakes Play a Vital Role in the Ecosystem

While encounters like this can be frightening, wildlife experts emphasize that snakes are an essential part of Georgia’s natural ecosystem. They help control rodent populations and typically avoid human interaction whenever possible.

Still, the discovery of such a large specimen under a home underscores the importance of regular maintenance checks — especially in rural or wooded areas of the Southeast.

Have you found snakes or shed skins around your home this season? Share your experiences or photos with the community at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.